Happily Divorced And After

PASADENA, CA – As part of the California State Assembly’s annual celebration of Women’s achievement and leadership, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognizes Rachael Worby as the 41st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year. Worby is a Pasadena resident and in 2011, created MUSE/IQUE, a performing arts nonprofit formed with the goal of bringing live music experiences to all, regardless of their sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, or social status. From a tiny, scrappy, startup, MUSE/IQUE has become a multimillion dollar non-profit, with considerable influence on the performing arts throughout Southern California.

“I am thrilled to announce Rachael Worby as Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Rachel is responsible for much of the artistic and theatrical preservation maintained across Southern California and has dedicated a great deal of her career to keeping young people engaged in the arts.”

For two years she held the prestigious post of Assistant Conductor of the LA Philharmonic. Then, for twelve years she was the Music Director and Conductor of the Young People’s Concerts at Carnegie Hall.  Rachael was appointed by President Clinton to the National Council on the Arts. She conducted and directed the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for seventeen years before becoming, for ten years, the Music Director of the Pasadena Pops.

“Rachael does not see barriers, she sees opportunity. She holds music dear to her heart as a force that connects all of us and it has been a privilege to witness her share her gifts and passion while opening doors for other women, marginalized people, and young Californians,” said Holden.

Worby became a pioneering member of the first wave of women on the conductor’s podium to achieve national and international renown. Worby’s success in the professional sphere only deepened her ambition to make the world of live music more inclusive. By partnering with over 19 local nonprofits, MUSE/IQUE gives Worby the platform to create lasting, meaningful relationships with people in the community that have often been overlooked. Inspired by her idol Leonard Bernstein, she joyfully interacts with her audience members throughout her shows to make each performance an inclusive learning experience. Worby is staunch in her belief that music belongs to the community.

By Bo Tefu, Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) introduced new legislation related to reparations to the Senate Committee on Housing on April 2 in Sacramento.

Senate Bill (SB) 1007, “establishes the Homeowner’s Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons Program to make financial aid or assistance available to descendants for the purposes of purchasing, owning, or maintaining a home,” the legislation states.

The Senate Housing Committee advanced the bill with an 8-1 vote. It will be re-referred to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) was the only member who voted against the bill.

“SB 1007 is about starting a long process of paying back a debt that is not only owed, but that was also promised, and is 160 years overdue, to African Americans,” Bradford told the committee chaired by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). “It is the first step in closing the wealth and equity gap created by centuries of slavery and racial discrimination policies.”

The bill aligns with one of the 115 recommendations listed in a two-year study conducted by the California reparations task force, of which Bradford was one of nine members.

Bradford said the report reveals that, in the state of California, a typical Black-owned home is 22% less valuable than a White-owned home.

Various advocacy groups from around the state attended the hearing held at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space. The California Housing Partnership, Bay Area Regional Health and Inequities Initiative, Coalition for A Just and Equitable California, Disability Rights of California, the American Civil Liberties Union of California, and California Community Builders all voiced their support of the bill.

Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas reparations Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 113 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 31-1 vote on Feb. 29 and was adopted with a 10-0 vote on April 2. The bill is a companion of Assemblymember Akilah Weber’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

SCR 113 would acknowledge the harms and atrocities committed by the State of California that “promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery and the legacy of ongoing badges and incidents of slavery that form the systemic structures of discrimination” the bill’s language states.

“For the first time, California is acknowledging its role in the perpetuation of the harms and ongoing effects of slavery of Black people across the state and in the nation. This resolution simply acknowledges that,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.

By Bo Tefu, Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, died of natural causes April 6 at his Windsor Hills Home. He was 94.

“Today, we lost a giant. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray dedicated his life to service, community, and putting God first in all things. I had the absolute honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and seeking his counsel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of the dynamic religious leader whose ministry inspired and attracted millionaires as well as former gang bangers and people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD).

Murray oversaw the growth of FAME’s congregation from 250 members to 18,000.

“My heart is with the First AME congregation and community today as we reflect on a legacy that changed this city forever,” Bass continued.

Murray served as Senior Minister at FAME, the oldest Black congregation in the city, for 27 years. During that time, various dignitaries visited, and he built strong relationships with political and civic leaders in the city and across the state, as well as a number of Hollywood figures. Several national political leaders also visited with Murray and his congregation at FAME, including Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Murray, a Florida native and U.S. Air Force vet, attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in history, worked on the school newspaper, and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later attended Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles County, where he earned his doctorate in Divinity.

Murray is survived by his son Drew. His wife Bernadine, who was a committed member of the A.M.E. church and the daughter of his childhood pastor, died in 2013.

ATLANTA, GA–Paris Fletcher, the founder and CEO of Full Bloom, continues to redefine success with her inspirational journey and steadfast commitment to empowering individuals worldwide. Full Bloom, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has rapidly emerged as a leading platform dedicated to helping people realize their true potential.

Fletcher’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In its inaugural year, Full Bloom grossed an impressive $40,000 to $50,000. Fast forward to last year, and the company achieved upwards of $145,000 in revenue, primarily from the sale of thousands of journals. Reflecting on the company’s growth trajectory, Fletcher remarks, “We are definitely growing fast and developing a large fan base.”

What sets Full Bloom apart is its unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its audience. The company is consistently stocking more inventory to keep pace with the growing demand for its empowering products. This commitment to excellence has earned Full Bloom a loyal following and positioned it as a beacon of inspiration in the personal development space.

Female entrepreneurs like Paris Fletcher are driving economic growth and fostering innovation across industries. Despite facing significant hurdles, women-owned businesses are thriving, with statistics showing growth rates five times faster than the national average. Fletcher’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in business.

To learn more about Paris Fletcher and Full Bloom, visit www.fullbloominspo.com or on TikTok @Paris. Discover a wide range of empowering products designed to uplift and inspire individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Because I have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock you when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind.  [Proverbs 1:20-25].

Understand the significance of the passage; after a certain point of perverse refusal has been past, God will NO LONGER plead and strive with you. [Genesis 6:3]. He will NO LONGER intervene between a man and the consequences of his folly. When God has had enough, it’s a moment of divine reckoning. This is a solemn warning – a call to turn from our own ways and respond to God’s gracious invitation. Don’t wait until it’s too late.  If you love your life, you should listen because God’s judgment on this Earth is a fact, and we must take the means of escape He provides. His words speak of consequences unseen, urging us to take them seriously. We must not dismiss His cautions for His power to fulfill warnings remains unchanged. [Colossians 3:6].

The people, both young and old, were ensnared by sin, their hearts hardened. They ignored the warning. So, God warns them that He would bring on them a major judgment—His wrath, their Day of the Lord, a day of “darkness, and not light” [Amos 5:12-20].

By Assemblymember Tina McKinnor | Special to California Black Media Partners

Organized retail theft is a significant issue that impacts both consumers and businesses. While it is crucial to address theft and protect businesses from losses, we should also be mindful of safeguarding individuals’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to due process.

AB 1990 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, also known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld. This bill allows law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting offenses not witnessed by the officer, if there is reasonable cause to believe the individual committed the crime. This bill has a dangerous potential for overreach and infringes on civil liberties, particularly the right to due process.

While the stated intention behind the STOP Act is to combat organized retail theft and protect businesses, there are valid concerns that this bill is an overreach and that existing law works, if properly enforced by our partners in law enforcement. A petty theft involving property stolen valued at $950 or less may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (called a wobbler) if the offender has the following prior convictions:  1) at least on prior petty or theft-related conviction for which a term of imprisonment was served, and 2) a prior conviction for a serious or violent offense, for any registerable sex offense, or for embezzlement from a dependent adult or anyone over the age of 65.  A misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, whereas a felon can mean incarceration for 16 months, two years or three years.  Let’s look at shoplifting in California.  It occurs when a suspect enters a store, while that establishment is open, intending to steal property worth less than $950.  The crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Granting officers the authority to arrest individuals based on reasonable cause, without witnessing the crime firsthand, can lead to negative consequences and possible violations of individual rights. Probable cause is the legal standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected criminal and for the courts to issue a search warrant. A grand jury uses the probable cause standard to determine whether to issue a criminal indictment.  The principle behind the probable cause standard is to limit the power of authorities to conduct unlawful search and seizure of a person or its property, and to promote formal, forensic procedures for gathering lawful evidence for the prosecution of the arrested criminal.  Reasonable cause does not require any of this due process and only requires that an officer reasonably believes that a crime has been committed. It is essential to find a middle ground that effectively addresses organized retail theft without compromising the fundamental rights of individuals.

California’s current laws, including the use of witness statements and surveillance evidence are sufficient for addressing suspected shoplifting and organized retail theft. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently prosecuted Michelle Mack, a suspected organized smash and grab ringleader who paid twelve women to travel around California and commit over $8 million in retail theft at 21 different stores. AG Bonta used California’s current laws to have the suspect arrested and brought to justice.

The State of California is also making significant investments to address retail theft. Just this past year California invested an additional $267 million to combat organized retail theft. It has been less than a year and our law enforcement partners should have the opportunity to address this recent spike in retail theft crime.

Los Angeles County recently applied for and received a grant for the State of California for $15.6 million dollars to address retail theft enforcement.  LA District Attorney George Gascon also recently formed an organized retail task force that partners with LA County Sheriff’s Department, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Torrance and Santa Monica Police Departments to integrate their response to retail theft across the region. These collaborative efforts, such as those seen in initiatives like the organized retail task force in LA County, demonstrate the importance of a united approach to tackling theft while maintaining a balance between enforcement and civil liberties.

As we move forward, it is essential for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses and communities to work together in finding solutions that effectively address organized retail theft without encroaching on individual rights. Ongoing evaluation and a commitment to thoughtful consideration will be crucial in navigating this challenge and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all. Balancing the scales of justice to protect businesses while upholding civil liberties demands a comprehensive and conscientious approach from all stakeholders involved.

I am confident we can find that balance.

About the Author

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents the 61^st District in Los Angeles County, which includes parts of the South Bay, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lawndale.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced the appointment of Rochelle Clayton as its new Deputy City Manager. Clayton, a San Bernardino native, has nearly 30 years of leadership roles with public agencies in the Inland Empire, most recently as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Menifee. Her first day will be April 15.

“This is a homecoming for me,” said Clayton. “I grew up here. We raised our kids here. Our girls graduated from Aquinas High School. I couldn’t be more excited to serve the residents of San Bernardino and be a part of the great things taking place.”

Having spent the past five years in Menifee, Clayton oversaw the Police, Fire, Community Services, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, and City Clerk departments. She served as the City’s lead negotiator with developers, businesses, school districts, and labor unions. Clayton also led the development and implementation of a five-year plan to successfully transition Menifee’s municipal police services under City control and no longer the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

“We are very pleased that Rochelle will be joining our team,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “She has extensive experience in municipal government, county government, and with special districts. And she knows the City of San Bernardino well.”

Prior to her time in Menifee, Clayton served as deputy city manager and Administrative Services Director for the City of Banning. She also worked as the Chief Financial Officer for the West Valley Water District in Rialto, the High Desert Water District in Yucca Valley, and the Finance Director for the City of La Habra Heights. Clayton also spent seventeen years with the County of San Bernardino Finance Department in various finance roles, rising to the level of Deputy Chief.

Clayton is a member of the International City Management Association, the California Society of Municipal Financial Officers, the Southern California Public Power Authority, and the Association of California Water Agencies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, San Bernardino.

As Deputy City Manager, Clayton will oversee the Public Works, Community Development and Housing, and the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Departments.

VICTORVILLE, CA—- The Queendom Awards, an esteemed annual event recognizing the exceptional contributions of women in the High Desert community, is thrilled to announce its second edition, set to take place on Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Holiday Inn in Victorville, CA, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Queendom Awards celebrate the leadership, philanthropy, and commitment of extraordinary women whose work has made a profound impact on the community. This year’s esteemed honorees include Regina Bell, Founder Of D.V.L PROJECT; 1st Lady Lorrie Denson of The Burning Bush Baptist Church; Leslie Irvin, City Councilwoman, Victorville CA; Pastor Kashmier Hayes, Epiphany Meeting Destiny; and Sylvia Romo, 2023 Women of Excellence Award Recipient. These exceptional women have demonstrated unwavering dedication to empowering others and fostering a positive change in the HIGH DESERT and beyond.

The event is made possible through the generous support of our community sponsors, including Victorville Motors, The High Desert Sports Association, K.I.C.K.S KAFE, Congressional Candidate Derek Marshall, and more. Their commitment to recognizing and honoring the achievements of women in our community is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

The evening promises to be a memorable occasion, featuring a glamorous Red-Carpet Network, followed by a sumptuous dinner sponsored and served by POPPA’S KITCHEN. Members of the media are cordially invited to participate in the Red-Carpet Network and capture the excitement of this special event.

“We are thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Queendom Awards and shine a spotlight on these remarkable women who have made significant contributions to our community,” said Justified Smith, Founder of FATHERS IN HIP HOP. “Their dedication, leadership, and resilience inspire us all, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements on this special evening.”

For sponsorship opportunities, or to RSVP for the event, please contact: Event Producer, Brittany Tinna White at (909-684-1330) or tuproductions3@gmail.com.

About the Queendom Awards: The Queendom Awards are an annual event that honors exceptional women in the High Desert community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The awards seek to celebrate and empower women from diverse backgrounds and industries, recognizing their achievements and inspiring future generations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Seven distinguished young men were presented to society on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, at the beautiful campus of California State University. Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell teacher and principle of Hardy Brown College Prep was the Master of Ceremony.

The 57th Annual Beautillion Ball which was no disappointment to a packed house of spectators as each young man was introduced along with their courts. Elegance, excitement, and suspense were thick in the air as the Knights and their courts performed dances with precession for their guests. The Keynote speaker was Dr. Jerrold N. Thompson, Sr., Senior Pastor of San Bernardino Community SDA Church – where he spoke on our theme of “Your Moment of Greatness” and shared his personal examples on the theme.

The Social Lites honored Wallace Allen of Westside Story / Talk Back, Michael Davis, Alton Garrett – Garrett Management Group, Dr. Danielle Osonduagwuike, Tina Darling, Councilman Damon Alexander and SBVC Aeronautics Department of Valley College with service awards for their unselfish act of pouring into our young men through the last 6 months with their various workshops and activities.

In full force our representatives from the federal, state, county and local government were present which included our Congressional Representative Pete Aguilar of the 33rd District, James Ramos California State Assembly representing District 45th office, Assembly member Eloise Gomez-Reyes representing the 50th California Assembly District, Joe Baca Jr. San Bernardino County 5th District, Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, San Bernardino of the County of School Board and Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward of the City of San Bernardino and Felicia Alexander, San Bernardino City Unified School District Trustee and Social Lite member who presented our Knights with certificates and witnessed the affair.

Our Successful Well Accomplished Gentleman (S.W.A.G.) Award for 2024 was awarded to Edward Brantley, President of the “I Am Gifted Foundation” for providing countless assistance in coaching and providing a stellar example to our young men and Chief Joseph Paulino, Chief of Police for the San Bernardino City Unified School District was awarded the Trail Blazer Award for giving back numerous years to our young men and creating a path while forging ahead for others.

The evening concluded with our crowning of Sir Knight Solomon Moore of Citrus Valley High School. As dubbed Sir Knight, he receiving over $22,500.00 in scholarships and awards for the prestigious title. This included $10,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc. (SLI) Scholarship, $6,000.00 for the Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Memorial (ETCEL) Award, $3,000 Academic Excellence Award, a $400.00 Mr. Congeniality Award and a $1,000 Travel Voucher including his countless gifts valued at over $1,800.00 for college expenses to allow him to pursue his dream to become a Civil Engineer at Tennessee State University.

Daniel Rivera, Jr., 1^st Runner- Up was awarded $8,000.00 along with $3,000 Academic Excellence Award by the (SLI) Scholarship, $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of gifts and prizes valued at over $1,800.00.

2^nd Runner-Up Syncere Brackett-Lambey was awarded $6,000.00 by the (SLI) Scholarship and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of gifts and prizes valued at over $1,950.00.

Darvion McGee was awarded the Perservance Award by the (SLI) Scholarship of $4,000.00 and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued at $1,500.00.

Ali Dphrepaulezz was awarded the President Award by the (SLI) Scholarship of $2,000.00 and $1,000.00 Academic Excellence Award and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued over $1,700.00.

Frank Cox III was awarded the Social Lites Award of $1,500.00, $1,000.00 Academic Excellence Award, $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award and along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued at over $1,100.00.

Destyn Maurice was awarded by the (SLI) Scholarship of $8,000.00 for the Alumni Award and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with other gifts and prizes valued at over $1,100.00.

Each young man received a host of Resolutions and Proclamations by local mayors and dignitaries.

As we conclude our ceremonial event, our work is NOT over. With your help, we are seeking our next African American and brown young men to set on the path toward higher levels through their education. The Social Lites program is a non-profit (501c3) program that created the Beautillion Program. It was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of the young black and brown men in the community in which they live and serve. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, publics peaking, and community service.

If you know any young men 6 years old to their 1st year in college who aspire to improve with their educational aspirations. Please reach out to us so that we can bring them into the program. If you would like to donate to our cause, we appreciate all contributions. To date, we have we have given out approximately 3.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men.

For more information, please call President, Sheri Lewis at (909) 320-0799 or publicity chairperson, Marlene Davis at (909) 709-5502

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Annual Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Kellie Todd Griffin is a dynamic leader with a rich history of driving change and empowering communities across California. With an impressive portfolio spanning 25 years, Kellie has made significant strides in community engagement, strategy development, and social impact initiatives.

As the President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Kellie oversees transformative programs such as the CA Black Women’s Think Tank at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her experience in healthcare leadership has earned her recognition as a champion for healthcare equity, culminating in her receipt of the Los Angeles County Woman of the Year award.

Kellie’s dedication to political advocacy and community organizing is evident in her leadership of initiatives like CA African Americans for Obama, which she co-chaired alongside prominent figures like Karen Bass and Kamala Harris.

Kellie channels her expertise in public affairs, communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to empower nonprofits, government entities, and corporations. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further demonstrated through her founding of organizations such as Sistallect, Inc. and the California Black Women and Girls Social and Economic Impact Fund.

“Kellie Todd Griffin’s unwavering dedication to community empowerment and social justice serves as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of collaborating with her,” said Kim Carter-Tillman, Founder/Ambassador of Time for Change Foundation, “She is truly an inspiration to all women!”

Other Award Honorees include:

Bobby Wagner, football player of the NFL, with the Philanthropist of the Year Award; Rev. George Lamb at F.A.C.C.T with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with the Humanitarian Award; Dawn Downs to receive the Businesswoman of the Year Award; Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award; Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award; and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 22^nd Annual Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p.m. PST. To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket.

To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at fwhite@timeforchangefoundation.org.